methadone
a strong ANALGESIC and narcotic drug, resembling MORPHINE , that is used in pain relief and as a COUGH suppressant. In addition, it is used as a HEROIN substitute in the treatment of addiction.
Methadone is used to relieve severe pain. Methadone also is used to treat opioid addiction (physical and psychological reliance on a chemical found in prescription and street drugs). Methadone is in a class of medications called opiate (narcotic) analgesics. Methadone works to treat pain by changing the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain. It works to treat people who were addicted to opiate drugs by producing similar effects and preventing withdrawal symptoms.
Full drug information on MedlinePlus →This is general information, not medical advice. Pregnancy and breastfeeding decisions should always be made with your healthcare provider.
Can taking methadone affect fertility or make it harder to get pregnant?
Taking methadone may make it harder to get pregnant. If you have questions about fertility while on methadone, it is best to discuss them with your healthcare provider.
Does taking methadone increase the risk of miscarriage?
Miscarriage can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. The fact sheet states that it is not known whether methadone can increase the chance of miscarriage. Any concerns should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Does taking methadone increase the risk of birth defects?
The fact sheet notes that it is not known whether methadone increases the chance of birth defects. Some studies have not found a higher risk, while others suggested a possible increase with first-trimester use, and two studies found a slightly higher chance of Pierre Robin sequence (a small, recessed jaw) — though other exposures were also present, making it hard to know the cause. Talk with your healthcare provider about your individual situation.
Can taking methadone during pregnancy cause other pregnancy-related complications?
Some studies have reported higher chances of preterm delivery and low birth weight when methadone is used in pregnancy compared with no opioid use. These outcomes may be more likely when methadone is taken in higher amounts than prescribed or without a prescription, and using opioids in higher amounts or longer than recommended can also increase the chance of poor fetal growth, stillbirth, and C-section. Your healthcare provider can help weigh these considerations against the benefits of treatment.
Can taking methadone during pregnancy affect the child's brain development, learning, or behavior?
Some studies, including one following children to age 3, did not find developmental differences in children exposed to methadone in pregnancy. Other studies of methadone and opioids more broadly have found learning and behavior concerns, but many of these children had other exposures as well, making it hard to know whether outcomes are due to medication, environment, or other factors. These questions are best discussed with your child's healthcare provider.
Is it safe to breastfeed while taking methadone?
Methadone passes into breast milk in amounts that vary by dose and individual metabolism. The fact sheet notes that taking up to 100 mg of methadone per day is not expected to cause problems for most healthy, full-term breastfed babies who were already exposed during pregnancy, and some studies have found that breastfed infants exposed to methadone in pregnancy had shorter hospital stays and less need for NOWS treatment. Because opioids can sometimes cause sleepiness, trouble feeding, or trouble breathing in babies, talk with your healthcare provider about your situation and contact your baby's provider if you notice increased sleepiness, feeding difficulty, breathing problems, or limpness.
Source: National Library of Medicine
methadone